81 Frame off - Pull the Clip?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 298
Likes: 0
From: Gander Newfoundland
81 Frame off - Pull the Clip?
Problem. Looking at my windshield frame where it meets the firewall on both sides, I see some corrosion underneath what appears to be factory sealant. Should I remove the clip to ensure a complete job of cleaning surface rust in this area and also to check what else may be there? The rockers appear to be solid as do the kick panel body mounts with only surface rust evident. What is involved with clip removal? I hear of resealing issues around the firewall and windshield as well. Any help from You folks who have removed/reinstalled front clip would be appreciated.
Passenger side frame corner where it meets firewall
Drivers side frame corner where it meets firewall
Passenger side frame corner where it meets firewall
Drivers side frame corner where it meets firewall
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
Two ways to do it (correctly) ... I did #1 - now in 4th year of resto.
1.
You can pop the front clip off of the firewall and pull the firewall to
repair the rusted corners. Most center sections are OK ... to be
determined. Getting the front clip glued back on and properly aligned
can be a tremendous task. I failed the first time and had to start over.
The advantage here is that you get to clean up the entire front
of the birdcage and re-seal the firewall to it (no leaks).
2.
You can use a hacksaw to cut off the top corner of the fender
and then use a dremel tool to cut away a section of the firewall
such that you can replace the steel. Then, you have some fiberglass
repairs ahead. This will be the fastest way. I beleive this is outlined
in the restoration book by Porter.
I think before you proceed, you should assess the condition of the lower
birdcage and hinge pillar. Perhaps you have - but I missed it.
Check out Monty's post. He pulled the fenders off - but left the firewall
in place while doing his repairs :
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1304846
Good Luck.
1.
You can pop the front clip off of the firewall and pull the firewall to
repair the rusted corners. Most center sections are OK ... to be
determined. Getting the front clip glued back on and properly aligned
can be a tremendous task. I failed the first time and had to start over.
The advantage here is that you get to clean up the entire front
of the birdcage and re-seal the firewall to it (no leaks).
2.
You can use a hacksaw to cut off the top corner of the fender
and then use a dremel tool to cut away a section of the firewall
such that you can replace the steel. Then, you have some fiberglass
repairs ahead. This will be the fastest way. I beleive this is outlined
in the restoration book by Porter.
I think before you proceed, you should assess the condition of the lower
birdcage and hinge pillar. Perhaps you have - but I missed it.
Check out Monty's post. He pulled the fenders off - but left the firewall
in place while doing his repairs :
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1304846
Good Luck.
Last edited by NHvette; Apr 12, 2006 at 05:11 PM.
